It’s been a year of acquisitions for Sainsbury’s, most notably the additions of Argos and Habitat to its growing business.

But while the fruits of that £1.4bn Home Retail Group purchase are starting to ripen in the eyes of shoppers, it is making advances behind the scenes, too.

The grocer’s ‘brain gain’ began when it acquired Home Retail in September, bringing some great retail minds such as chief digital officer Bertrand Bodson and Habitat boss Claire Askem on board.

Ex-Boots boss Simon Roberts followed when he took the role of retail and operations director at the end of September – and today Sainsbury’s revealed the impending arrival another big-hitter, after it lured Poundland boss Kevin O’Byrne to become its chief financial officer.

As the former B&Q boss prepares to add yet more tools to the Sainsbury’s boardroom, his former employer Kingfisher is building a new path of its own.

The DIY giant’s new chief executive Véronique Laury gives her first interview since taking the helm exclusively to Retail Week and reveals her vision for the business.

Quote of the day

“You need to reinvent yourself or you’re going to die”

Kingfisher boss Véronique Laury

Today in numbers

2
The number of stores Paperchase has agreed terms on in Chicago as it expands into the US.

4
The number of months Kevin O’Byrne spent in charge at Poundland before it was revealed he was leaving to join Sainsbury’s.

40%
The proportion of retailers that expect consumers to spend more with them on Black Friday compared with last year.

Tomorrow’s agenda

All eyes will be on Marks & Spencer as new boss Steve Rowe lifts the lid on his plans for the retailer, which are expected to include a number of store closures. 

Luke Tugby, deputy news editor

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